Jurong West Fire: Suspect held for setting styrofoam boxes ablaze

The fire completely destroyed a wet market and two coffee shops at Block 493.

A Singapore court charged a man on Saturday for allegedly causing the fire at Jurong West Street on 11 October that completely destroyed a wet market and two coffee shops at Block 493.

The accused, identified as Lim Ying Siang (41), allegedly set fire to styrofoam boxes at the market, knowing full well that it will cause explosion.

Lim was arrested on 13 October following two days of investigation along Jurong West Street 41. If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and could also be fined. The court has given 21 October as the next date for the hearing.

According to the Straits Times, Commander of Jurong Division Koh Wei Keong said: "This is a serious crime which had resulted in extensive damage to property and loss of income to innocent victims.

"The police have zero tolerance for such lawless acts and will ensure that perpetrators are dealt with to the fullest extent of the law," he added.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng, who visited the scene told reporters that affected stall owners will be helped to set up their business somewhere else or to operate from elsewhere.

"The wet market's building structure does not appear to be safe, so it will take a while before they can access the area. The two coffee shops adjacent to the market are also unlikely to operate for now," he added.

The fire that the incident caused completely ravaged the market and its surroundings. Nearly 300 residents were evacuated after the fire broke out.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force reported that three fire engines, four red rhinos, seven support vehicles and four ambulances were needed to douse the flames.